[alohachris]

Aloha JCWU,

All I try to do here is pass along what I've learned from 45 years of paid gigging experience. That's it. It's just an opinion, nothing more. Reject it, try it out, I don't care. But not many on this site have been getting paid to play almost nightly for nearly half a century.

For most of my decades of gigging, I tried to get by on the cheap. It wasn't til three+ years ago that I returned to the audio amplification world to find out what was currently available - at all levels - and I asked many, many questions, opinions and acted quite slowly and carefully to achieve my dream LIVE rig. Other posters dream rigs are different. Viva la difference!

What I've learned recently is that there is a definite correlation between the money you spend on amplification, and the result. And I've tried 'em all! Everything that has come down the pike since the late 60's.

My current rig: K&K mini/AKG 416 internal mics combos in three gigging guitars, Pendulum SPS-1 preamp, TC Electronics M2000 dual engine stereo FX unit, Parasound 2125 power amp, and custom Koa Daedalus W803 speakers was planned, works together great electronically and practically, doesn't fight against itself and provides the natural tone and sound, room control and flexibility I need to get the sounds I'm after for my live gigs. It's the most natural sound from an acoustic guitar and my voice that I have ever heard in a live rig.

It's not the only way to go and it does cost more than most are willing to pay for that kind of sound. I offer it as only one example of how to go. You may choose to go with just a guitar, pickup, vocal mic and a soloamp - fine! If you're not doing it for income, then don't even use any amplification at all because it's not necessary. Just use a condenser mic at most and an amp of some kind. Who cares?

I offer it here because it works for me, period. I offer it, because unless you know what's available out there for live amplification - at all pricing levels - then you're working in the dark. I try to shed light on your search, that's it.

In the end, the main thing I'm saying is to educate yourself about how signal chains work together - before you buy - so you can actually save lots of money in the long and short runs and get the results you're looking for. If you're just trying things out, throwing them together like too many do and hoping - then that's not eduating yourself about the possibilities - of YOU & YOUR MUSIC!

alohachris

PS: Example: I just researched, pieced together and bought a great, integrated recording signal chain after researching ALL of 'em for over two years. Literally - every DAW on the market! As I write, I'm downloading Logic Pro 9 on my new iMac i7 quad. I put the time in so I wouldn't make a costly mistake -I have no time left for that at 60! I suggest you do the same as you put any kind of rig together - at any cost. And pay attention to what Sdelsolray has to say here. His questions and info are ALWAYS spot on. He knows more and can express better the options available more than anyone else here, IMO. - alohachris-